The Tascam BR-20(T) Reel to Reel Recorders were advanced analog 2-Track recorders aimed at the Radio Broadcast and Video Post Production markets, but it found a home in many recording studios.
Although digital equipment is the industry’s newest and most exciting technology at the time of the release of the Tascam BR-20, analog equipment remained the mainstay for many radio broadcast production, video post-production, and related recording studios. Analog machines offered exceptional compatibility, ease of use, cost/performance, reliability, unique sound and, of course, familiarity.
The Tascam BR-20 and BR-20T 2-track recorders were specifically designed to achieve such results. Using the very latest microcomputer control technology to deliver the performance required for today’s production studios, the compact BR-20 and BR-20T offer an array of advanced, easy-to-use features.
Designed With Production In Mind
The Tascam BR-20 offers a selection of audio production features to allow interface, optimum performance and ease-of-use, such as balanced +4 dBm inputs and outputs, and easily accessible front panel audio calibration controls. Its transport was designed with a precision tension servo control system that achieves exceptionally smooth operation, accurate time counter readings, and smooth manual editing performance.
The Latest In Analog Design Microcomputer Control Accuracy
Many of the Tascam BR-20’s most advanced features have been made possible by state-of-the-art microprocessor control technology. Not only does the computerized precision enable accurate location of three pre-set cue points in addition to zero, but it allows direct time location as well.
The Tascam BR-20T offers even greater convenience and performance, it uses a center/line timecode waveform optimization system that eliminates the need for timecode level monitoring, offsets and adjustments. The ideal timecode waveform is automatically recorded on tape for error-free sync and control operation. The center/line track can also be used to store production information.
Flexible External Control
To make operation smoother and faster, nothing beats remote transport control. It gives you increased flexibility and greater convenience. The Tascam BR-20 gives you transport control from an optional TC-402 remote control unit connected to its ACCESSORY 1 parallel port. It also works hand in hand with such accessories as an external synchronizer capstan control, event triggering, a fader start control from a mixer, and many other control signals.
Basically, the Tascam BR-20 is available in three versions. The first is NAB standard, the second is DIN standard, and the third is a time code channel version. The table below shows further differences between them.
Features
- Parallel 1/0 port for connection to SMPTE/EBU based synchronizers/controllers such as the TASCAM ES-50/ES-51
- Balanced +4 dBm inputs/outputs for professional connections
- Remote transport start and stop via the fader control of a suitably equipped mixer
- Easy access dipswitches change some functions to suit your preference
- 3-point memory, entered either ‘on the fly’ or via SELECT and NUMBER features
- Repeat playback over the desired segment of the tape
- 5-point auto locator: Return-to-zero, locate to three MEMO points, and Direct Locate
- Search operations followed by Auto Play
- Variety of Edit modes
- Cueing at 2 selectable speeds
- Spool mode for uniform tape pack
- Maximum +/—12% speed variation both in record and playback
- Output/meter source selector switch for each channel
- Memory back-up system
